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The Ultimate Guide to Juvenile Crimes in Missouri

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Introduction

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If your child has been arrested and charged with a juvenile crime, it is an often upsetting, daunting, and scary time. As a parent, you have a lot to be thinking about for the future, but one way to ensure your child gets the best chance at a clean slate is to educate yourself on what this means for you and your child and make a decision about what next steps you need to take. 

This guide will explain all the different aspects of juvenile crimes in Missouri, and answer some of our most common questions.  If you or your child are currently facing juvenile charges, contact Combs Law Group for a free consultation. We can help you!

Contents 

  • What happens when they are arrested? 
  • How young does my child need to be to be considered a juvenile? 
  • Can they be charged as an adult? 
  • Can I be held responsible for their charges? 
  • What are the different types of juvenile crime? 
    • Truancy 
    • Juvenile DWI 
    • Juvenile Traffic Violation 
    • Juvenile Marijuana Possession 
    • Juvenile Drug Possession 
    • Underage Drinking 
    • Shoplifting and Theft 
    • Harassment 
    • Stalking 
    • Assault 
    • Vandalism 
    • Trespassing 
    • Arson 
    • Gun Possession 
  • What are the differences between juvenile and adult courts? 
  • How can you help your child in the legal proceedings? 

What happens when a child is arrested? 

If you’ve only just heard that your child has gotten into trouble, take a deep breath. Your child will be treated with respect, and will only be handcuffed in certain circumstances if they are over fourteen or if they are deemed a threat to themselves. The court will immediately examine the circumstances for the arrest and order that they are released in most cases. If this is not the case, they can only be held in detention until their hearing, which must be within 3 days of apprehension, unless there are special circumstances. 

You will be given notice of everything you need to know about the detention hearing and their right to legal counsel, which we recommend you arrange for them. 

How young does my child need to be to be considered a juvenile? 

For your child to be considered a juvenile in Missouri, they must be no older than 16. In 2021, the age will rise to 17.

As a juvenile, you, as their family, will be heavily involved in the leading proceedings and the state’s focus is on their safety and encouraging positive rehabilitation and ensuring they become a healthy and positive member of society. 

Can they be charged as an adult? 

Only in very severe circumstances. If the court wishes to try them as an adult, it will be due to the seriousness of the crime and they will need to certify the juvenile as an adult. Currently, your child can be tried as an adult once they turn 17, though that will rise to 18 on January 1, 2021. 

In special circumstances, they can be certified as an adult by a court if they twelve or older and charged with a felony. This generally only affects very serious crimes such as murder, assault with a deadly weapon, severe sex crimes, and drug dealing if they have prior felony convictions. 

Can I be held responsible for their charges? 

You are responsible for ensuring your child receives an education, so in cases of truancy (see below), you may be held responsible. In most other cases, you will not be responsible and you will only be responsible for restitution if you are deemed not to have done your due diligence as a parent in preventing your child’s behavior. 

What are the different types of juvenile crime? 

Truancy 

Missouri requires your child to attend school regularly between the ages of 7 and 16, with a few exceptions if they have mental or physical disabilities or if they are 14 or older and are employed. Children can be homeschooled but parents must be able to prove they are receiving at least 1000 hours of instruction. 

If your child does not attend school to a reasonable degree or have a valid excuse, you, as a parent, maybe taken to truancy court. You have a legal right to counsel for truancy court, as you would any other legal hearing. While there aren’t any serious charges for truancy, you may be fined $25 a day for the days your child has missed, which will likely be a significant fine. 

Juvenile DWI 

Missouri takes underage DWI charges very seriously. Here, underage drunk drivers cause more accidents than of-age drivers. The main difference between an adult DWI charge and an underage DWI charge is that the blood alcohol content can be as little as 0.02 to be over the limit, compared to the 0.08 adult limit. 

A juvenile DWI can be just as serious as an adult DWI, such as up to 6 months in jail, loss of license, and a fine of up to $500. Just as with adults, a first-time DWI offense will result in having their license suspended for 90 days, and a second DWI offense will result in one year’s suspension. The maximum punishment for a second juvenile offense is up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 

Juvenile Traffic Violation 

Traffic violations are unique, as once your child is old enough to drive, they are considered an adult for crimes out on the road. The Juvenile Division (Family Court) cannot take any cases of a child over the age of 15 who has a traffic violation. However, if the traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time, the traffic court judge will likely request for the juvenile court to order this. If your child has a traffic violation, see our information on traffic violations. 

Juvenile Marijuana and Drug Possession 

It is not uncommon for teenagers to experiment with alcohol, marijuana, and even more serious drugs, but if they are caught by the police these instances can become a serious error of judgment in their lives. If your child is caught with marijuana or another drug (and knowingly possessed it), they will be charged with the same crime as an adult, but with very different consequences. 

The Juvenile Division has more options for dealing with a juvenile marijuana offender than the adult courts, such as drug counseling, probation, and diversion. In most cases, your child will have to complete a rehabilitation program, but won’t suffer more serious consequences. It is always with consulting a juvenile criminal defense lawyer to ensure your child’s case runs smoothly and won’t leave a mark on them permanently. Your child will only receive “detention” (jail time) in serious cases, such as possessing Schedule I or II drugs. 

Underage Drinking 

Underage drinking charges in Missouri extend to anyone found drinking alcohol under the age of 21. Anyone under the legal age in the possession of alcohol or attempting to purchase it is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $300. In some cases, they may also have their driving privileges suspended. 

Shoplifting and Theft 

Fortunately, the courts do not deem children to have the same decision-making ability as adults, and so treats juvenile shoplifting and theft charges differently to adult charges. The Juvenile Division aims to course-correct children who steal, and they have a wide range of possible penalties they may choose for a juvenile offender depending on the severity of the case. 

In most minor, firs-time cases, the child will be released back to the parent’s care. If the case goes to court, the judge will likely give them a severe talking to and warn them about the path they are on. 

In some shoplifting and theft cases, the offender may be ordered to pay restitution to the person or business they stole from. This means they need to pay back the value they stole. In some cases, this responsibility may fall to the parent, if the court believes you did not do your due diligence as a parent to prevent their behavior. If you have done all you can, they may be ordered to find employment to pay off the restitution. 

Other possible penalties are a probationary period, a diversionary program, counseling, and in serious cases, detention in a center or home confinement. If your child has been arrested for shoplifting, their case is not insignificant, and you should seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you ensure your child gets the best outcome. 

Harassment and Stalking

Harassment is a new crime that was introduced in 2017 to help combat serious bullying in (and out of) schools. Here in Missouri, schools must report certain crimes to the police to be dealt with, and this now includes harassment. This new law is much debated but aims to cut back on children driven to suicide by their peers and adults. Harassment is defined as “causing emotional distress”, so will likely include juvenile stalking. 

Assault 

Recent law changes have now made peer-to-peer juvenile assault a serious offense, and juvenile offenders can be charged with a felony in some cases. These new laws mean children and parents need to be more vigilant and take their behavior more seriously. 

A juvenile may be charged with simple assault for injuring another person (child or adult) or for seriously threatening to harm another person. Simple assault (any straightforward injury or serious threat to another) is a misdemeanor and may result in jail time, community service, probation, restitution, counseling, or a fine. If your child has been charged with assault, you need an experienced juvenile criminal defense lawyer on their case as soon as possible, to ensure one mistake isn’t blown out of proportion. 

Vandalism 

Vandalism laws apply to everyone countrywide, regardless of age. If a juvenile commits an act of vandalism, their case is heard by the Juvenile Division, instead of the adult court. An act of vandalism must be proven to have been done on purpose. The Juvenile Division as a range of possible penalties, but in minor vandalism cases, acts to get the child back on track through restitution and fines (see shoplifting for an explanation of restitution), probation, a diversionary program, or in severe cases, detention (jail or home confinement). 

Trespassing 

Like cases of vandalism, the crimes of trespassing are the same as an adult, but because a child’s trespassing is, in most cases, done with very different intentions than adult trespassers, it comes with different penalties. The Juvenile Division will need the intent to trespass proven, and the penalties are likely to be probation, a diversion program, a fine, or in more severe cases detention. 

Arson 

Arson occurs if your child purposely sets something alight. The penalties for juvenile arson will vary wildly depending on the consequences, so it’s important you get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to defend your child’s case as it develops. In minor cases, they will likely be required to pay restitution and undergo counseling, but arson can grow to a serious charge. 

Gun Possession 

If your child has been found to be in unlawful possession of a gun, it’s vital you find a criminal defense lawyer to represent them as soon as possible. The possible penalties for unlawful possession vary wildly from case to case and may be as minor as a fine or as major as jail time. 

What are the differences between juvenile and adult courts? 

In Missouri the two courts are separate. The Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court (also known simply as Family Court) has the jurisdiction to exclusively juvenile crimes, and cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other family affairs. 

How can you help your child in the legal proceedings? 

To help your child you need to be supportive as they will likely be scared of the legal proceedings, and the best thing you can do is talk to an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. 

Your criminal defense lawyer will be able to take the case in hand and take steps to ensure your child’s future is untarnished. If you’re looking for a sympathetic criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis who will tirelessly fight for your child’s future, contact us today. We aim to get back to all inquiries in less than two hours, so you can have the best St. Louis juvenile defense attorney on your case as soon as possible. 

Charged with a DWI/DUI in Missouri? Here’s What You Need to Know.

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Content:

If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Missouri you need an experienced, friendly, and established DWI lawyer on your side. A DWI is a charge many people think they don’t need to worry about, and don’t consider getting a lawyer until it’s too late. A DWI, especially a second offense or beyond, is a serious charge and so you need to do everything you can to fight it. 

What constitutes a DWI in Missouri? 

In Missouri, if you are caught with a blood alcohol content over 0.08 you will be arrested for driving while intoxicated. If you are behind the wheel of a vehicle (including a motorboat) while over the alcohol limit or deemed to be intoxicated via drugs (illegal or legal), you can be charged with a DWI. 

Do DUI and DWI mean the same thing?

Yes, while many use the term DUI (Driving Under the Influence), the accepted term in Missouri is DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). 

What are the consequences of a DWI charge? 

Missouri has some of the harshest DWI/DUI charges in the country, and even first-time offenders could face jail time if their case is not properly defended. 

You have 15 days to file for an administrative hearing, which is the best time for your DWI attorney to fight to have your driving privileges reinstated. If you miss this grace period, you’ll likely have your license suspended for 90 days. If you have the right defense, you may be able to get restricted driving privileges instated instead. 

A first offense DWI is a class B misdemeanor, meaning you may get up to 8 points on your license, up to 6 months jail time, 90-day license suspension, and a fine of up to $500. 

If this is your second DWI you need to find an experienced DWI lawyer in St. Louis to defend you as soon as possible. A second DWI usually comes with an instant 12-month driving ban, up to a year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,000. 

Of course, these are simply the legal implications. You also need to realize the impact of losing your license, having a criminal record, and even doing jail time may have on your life. If you are convicted of your DWI charge you may not be able to drive to earn your living, and if you go to jail your family may struggle to cope without you. Don’t leave it to chance, get a DWI attorney to fight for your freedom. 

Why is it important to act quickly? 

In Missouri, a DWI has two components; a civil case and a criminal case. If you act quickly, your chosen DWI lawyer will be able to act straight away to protect your driving privileges (the civil side of your case) immediately following your arrest and for the rest of your case. If you refused to take a breathalyzer test you will be facing an immediate 12-month driving ban, which a DWI lawyer can combat by filing for restricted driving privileges as soon as possible. 

The criminal side of your case will take part in the courts where you were charged. While the laws are the same across Missouri (as seen above), the way they are enforced can vary from one municipality to the next, so it’s important to find an experienced and established criminal defense lawyer represent you and fight your charges. 

What area does the Combs Law Group cover? 

We cover most cities and municipalities in the St. Louis metro area. If you were charged in St. Louis, it’s extremely likely that we can represent your case. Below you’ll find some of the areas we cover, but if you aren’t sure, you can find a full list of the areas and zip codes we cover here.

What will a DWI lawyer do for me? 

Each lawyer’s process varies, so we can only tell you about our process. Our clients sit down with Chris Combs personally for a free consultation to discuss the circumstances around their case and suggest a strategy moving forward. If they are happy to go ahead and work with us, they will become a priority on our list and have access to us 24/7 should they need us. 

To find out more about working with us on your DWI case, click here to call us, or contact us today by filling out a form to arrange your free consultation.

We aim to get back to every inquiry in just two hours, so it won’t be long before you have the best St. Louis DWI lawyer working on your case. 

The Ultimate Guide to Theft Crimes in Missouri

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If you’ve been charged with theft in Missouri, you’re likely feeling a lot of emotions and you’re not sure what to do next. In many cases, a theft charge comes with a sense of shame, defensiveness (because you had no other option), anger at yourself or those who caught you or persuaded you to steal with them. At this stage, it’s vital that you understand exactly what your theft charge means for you, and what next steps you need to take to move forward with your life. 

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about your charge (whether falsely accused or not), answer common questions we hear from the accused, and guide you on your next steps. 

There are a large number of different theft crime charges with a range of possible punishments and future impact on your life. Read on to learn all about what you need to do next to take positive steps forward and fight your charge. 

Contents: 

  • What Constitutes Theft in Missouri? 
  • The Different Types of Theft Crime 
    • Theft
    • Larceny 
    • Burglary 
    • Robbery 
    • Shoplifting 
    • Firearm Theft  
    • Grand Theft Auto 
    • Federal Theft 
    • Check Fraud 
  • What makes a theft crime a misdemeanor or a felony? 
  • What’s the difference between theft, larceny, burglary, and robbery? 
  • Can you be charged for more than one kind of theft? 
  • Is it better to be charged with one type of theft crime over the others?
  • I’ve been falsely accused of theft, what should I do? 
  • Why it’s Important to Fight a Theft Conviction 
  • Hire the Best Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney

What Constitutes Theft in Missouri? 

Missouri defines theft as taking the property or service of another without the owner’s consent, with the intent to deprive the owner, or by deceit or coercion. Essentially, if you take something you don’t own or refuse to pay for services rendered, you are committing theft. 

The Different Types of Theft Crime 

There is a range of different theft crimes which vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the theft. Some of these crimes are classed as misdemeanors (less serious crimes) and others are felonies (serious crimes). 

Theft

Theft is the umbrella term for any form of stealing property or services from another person, as outlined above, and encompasses any situation that does not fit into the categories below.

Larceny 

Larceny simply defines when someone steals the personal property of another. 

Burglary 

Burglary in Missouri is defined as a person entering a building with the intent to steal. Most burglary crimes are class C felonies, but if the offender is armed, threatens or causes injury, or if there is an innocent person within the structure, it is a class B felony. 

Robbery 

Robbery is when the offender forcibly steals from another person and is a class B felony. However, if they threaten the other person with something that is, or appears to be, a weapon, or actually causes injury, it a class A felony. 

Bank robbery comes with much harsher punishments than a ‘normal’ robbery because it is federally owned and therefore you are stealing from the government. Federal crimes are more serious than the same crime against a citizen, and any threat against the bank workers with the intent to steal from it will constitute bank robbery. 

All bank robbery charges will be a class A felony, and therefore you may face up to 30 years in prison, and worse if there are additional charges held against you. If you knowingly accept anything stolen from a bank you will be fined and can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. 

Shoplifting 

Shoplifting occurs when the offender steals something from a place of business. Most occurrences of shoplifting will be a class A misdemeanor as the value of the stolen property will likely be $500 or below. 

Anyone who steals merchandise (anything for sale) from a Missouri store is, in addition to any misdemeanor or felony charges, responsible for the full retail value of anything taken, any incidental costs of up to $100, a penalty to the owner of $100-$250, and any and all court costs and attorney fees incurred by the owner. If the person is a minor, their parental guardian is then responsible. 

Firearm Theft 

Theft of a firearm in Missouri is automatically a class C felony, due to the associated dangers and implications of a stolen firearm. A class C felony automatically lands you with at least 12 months imprisonment. 

Grand Theft Auto (Vehicle Tampering) 

Auto theft is defined as taking a vehicle owned by another, without the owner’s consent, by means of deceit or coercion. Motor vehicle theft can be more complicated than other forms of theft because there are four ‘elements’ that must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt (or admitted to) before the offender can be convicted. 

The first element of auto theft is ‘appropriation of a motor vehicle’, which means the prosecution must prove that the offender took possession of the vehicle without the owner’s consent. 

The second element is that it must be proved that the vehicle was not legally owned by the offender when they took the vehicle. 

The third element is that it must be proved that the offender had ‘intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle’, and had no intention of returning the vehicle. 

The fourth element is that the offender must have taken the car without the permission of the owner, and without coercing or deceiving them to do so. If the offender coerced or deceived the owner, the prosecution must show how this was the case. 

Stealing a car in Missouri is automatically a class C felony, regardless of the value of the vehicle, which is punishable by a minimum of 12 months in prison. 

Federal Theft 

Federal theft is when you are deemed to have stolen something from the government. Most federal theft applies to those working for the government and maybe a charge like failing to deposit money to the treasurer, misuse of public funds, theft of vehicles transporting commerce between states, and theft of government property. 

Check Fraud 

Check fraud is when you give or cash a check you forged, or that is on a bank account you know has insufficient funds (and will therefore bounce). Check fraud, for a value of $500 or less, is a class A misdemeanor, and if over $500 it can be as severe as a class C felony. 

What makes a theft crime a misdemeanor or a felony? 

Some crimes are a felony regardless of any other circumstances, due to the severity of the crime (such as stealing a firearm), while others only warrant a misdemeanor. In general, the charges are as follows: 

  • Class A Misdemeanor: a class A misdemeanor theft is when the value of the property or services stolen is less than $500. Being given stolen property worth less than $500 is also a class A misdemeanor. Any theft crime that does not fit into any other category will also warrant a class A misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a class A misdemeanor is one-year imprisonment and a fine of $1,000.
  • Class D Felony: it is a class D felony when someone steals an animal, or, if the offender has had two or more theft-related convictions within the last 10 years. The maximum punishment for a class D felony is a four-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $5,000, or an amount of up to twice the value of what the offender gained from the theft, up to $20,000.
  • Class C Felony: Theft is a class C felony if the value of the property or service is more than $500, but less than $25,000, if the item was stolen from the owner’s person, or if it is a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, firearm (regardless of worth), explosive, credit card, US flag, legal or historical documents, livestock or wildlife, will, property deed, controlled substance, chemicals that can be used to make illegal substances. It is also a class C felony to receive stolen explosives, receive something stolen if they are a dealer of the stolen good or substance involved, or worth more than $500. The maximum penalty for a class C felony is a prison term of 7 years (and no less than 12 months), a fine of $5,000, or double the value of the stolen property up to $20,000 if it was sold on.
  • Class B Felony: Theft is a class B felony if the stolen property or service is worth $25,000 or more. The maximum punishment for a class B felony is a prison term of 15 years (and no less than 5 years).
  • Class A Felony: Theft can only become a class A felony if the offender harms or threatens another person. The maximum punishment for a class A felony is a 30-year prison sentence (and no less than 10 years), and there are usually no fines included. 

What’s the difference between theft, larceny, burglary, and robbery? 

Theft is the umbrella term that covers any form of stealing from anyone or any entity. Larceny is the term used to describe the theft of personal property (e.g. not commercial or federal property). Burglary is theft from a residence or structure, and robbery is any theft where there is an innocent person who is threatened or harmed in the process. 

Can you be charged with more than one kind of theft? 

Yes, for example, if you rob a bank and then steal a car for your getaway, you will be charged for both occurrences.  It’s not uncommon to see both state and federal theft charges filed in the same crime. If you are facing multiple types of charges then it’s even more critical you get legal representation.

Is it better to be charged with one type of theft crime over the others? 

Yes, for example, a robbery charge will nearly always be more severe than a larceny charge, so where possible your criminal defense lawyer will work to get your charge reduced so you can avoid harsher punishments. 

I’ve been falsely accused of theft, what should I do? 

If you have been falsely accused of theft it’s vital you get an experienced criminal lawyer who knows theft and robbery charges on your side as soon as possible. If you’ve been accused or charged with theft wrongly, you need a lawyer who knows the law and can put together the best strategy to prove your innocence. Unfortunately, the wrongly accused are sometimes convicted of the crimes they didn’t commit, so don’t leave it to fate. 

Why It’s Important to Fight a Theft Conviction 

If a theft charge is minor, you may think that it would be easier to take the conviction in stride, pay the fine, and move on with your life, but it’s important to think about the long-term implications of a theft conviction. 

Of course, theft very quickly becomes a felony charge here in Missouri, and a felony is a very serious matter. Of course, even a theft misdemeanor on your record may make you an unattractive prospect to potential employers who will feel unable to trust you, and future landlords will feel the same, leaving you jobless, potentially homeless, and in worst-case scenarios, unable to feed yourself and your family. 

You may think that a simple theft charge cannot ruin your life, but we’ve seen it happen and we fight to protect our clients’ liberty every day. Take your charge seriously and do everything within your power to fight the charges; get an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney on your case as soon as possible. 

Hire the Best Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney 

No matter your individual circumstances, if you’ve been accused of theft, you need to get a great criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. The legal system can be confusing and intimidating, and as we covered in the section above, a conviction (wrongful or otherwise) can completely derail your life. 

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will fight for your freedom and may be able to get the charges dismissed or reduce your charge so it has a minimal impact on your life. Chris Combs has extensive experience defending theft charges and likely has defended a case just like yours in the past. 

All our clients have access to their lawyer 24/7, we offer completely free consultations, and we get back to most inquiries within 2 hours – so you don’t need to worry for days about what’s going to happen next. Contact us today to get one of the best St. Louis criminal defense lawyers on your case. 

Looking to Hire a Drug Possession St. Louis Lawyer?

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If you’ve been caught for drug possession in Missouri, it’s important you take action right away. Missouri has some of the most severe drug possession penalties in the whole of the US, but punishments can also vary drastically from courtroom to courtroom. For this reason alone, you need a drug possession attorney who has established relationships in the area you are being charged and will know the history of cases like yours with those prosecutors and judges. 

Drug possession charges are some of the most common we deal with here at Combs Law Group, so we are familiar with the common questions and queries people have when facing a drug possession charge. 

Here’s what you need to know to defend and protect yourself. 

What constitutes drug possession in Missouri?

As you may be aware, the definition of “drug possession” in Missouri doesn’t simply cover being caught with illegal substances on your persons, but in any other scenario where you can be considered to be in possession of an illegal substance. 

For example, if you and a friend are transporting cocaine in your vehicle (or if a friend leaves an illegal substance in your vehicle) when you are pulled over for a traffic offense and the attending officers have reason to search your vehicle and find it, you are still considered “in possession” of that substance. 

Are drug possession laws the same all over the US? 

Yes and no. The DEA determines how “serious” an illegal substance is throughout the US. The Controlled Substances Act outlines 5 Schedules (essentially levels of seriousness), with Schedule 1 being the most serious or harmful, such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and decreasing in the likelihood of dependency to Schedule 5. These schedules define the severity of the punishment. 

However, Missouri decides what punishment will be given for possession of each type of drug. With the exception of marijuana, most drug possession charges are felonies. Felony charges come with serious legal ramifications, fines, prison time, and sends shockwaves through other areas of your life, so it’s vital you find a drug possession lawyer as soon as possible. 

If you’re facing federal drug charges, like federal drug trafficking or distribution, then it’s even more important you find a good St. Louis drug possession attorney who knows federal drug laws. Federal drug laws typically have more severe penalties, so if the federal government is trying to put you behind bars you need to get a St. Louis criminal lawyer right away.

Are the punishments for marijuana possession different? 

In most cases, yes. In Missouri, most drug possession cases will result in a felony charge, but the laws surrounding marijuana have softened and if you possess 35 grams or less, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. If you would like to learn more about marijuana laws in Missouri, you can read our guide here.

Is there any way to avoid jail time? 

Your ability to avoid jail time for your drug possession charge will depend on the severity of your charge, the circumstances in which you were charged, the skill of your attorney, and primarily, whether or not you are willing to get help for your addiction. Prosecutors and judges may choose to be sympathetic if you are willing to get help for your addiction and if the quantity you had in your possession was minimal. To find out more about these programs you can read our guide on drug possession laws in Missouri.

What should I look for in a drug possession lawyer?  

When you look for a drug possession lawyer you should ensure they: 

  • Have experience in the location you were charged 
  • Have experience with cases like yours 
  • Will aggressively defend you and the life you’ve built 
  • Offers a free consultation
  • Won’t make you feel like a number on a list 
  • Make you feel reassured and at ease 
  • Has numerous testimonials and good reviews 

Chris Combs is one of the top St. Louis drug possession lawyers and has experience with a wide range of drug possession charges. If you want to find out more about what we can do for you click here or contact us directly today and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible – most inquiries receive a reply in less than two hours, so it will be no time at all until you can relax knowing you have the best on your case. 

Looking To Hire Domestic Violence Attorney in St. Louis, M0?

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Introduction

Being accused or charged with domestic violence offenses is an incredibly stressful experience and one you shouldn’t go through alone. A domestic violence charge is a serious accusation and can completely derail your life if you don’t do everything you can to prevent it. The best way to do this is to choose a domestic violence lawyer you can trust to fight the charges with you. 

In recent years domestic violence cases garnered substantial media attention which resulted in stricter laws and harsher punishments all across the United States, including here in Missouri. 

What constitutes domestic violence? 

Domestic violence, also often referred to as “adult abuse” in Missouri, includes: 

  • Spousal abuse 
  • Domestic dispute 
  • Battery 
  • Any physical harm you cause toward someone who lives under your roof 
  • Any physical harm you cause toward someone in your family or household through your negligence 
  • Purposely isolating someone 

It differs from a normal assault charge because there is an established relationship between those involved, and the repercussions of domestic abuse are more serious than their assault charge equivalents. 

This relationship is typically between two people who are, or who once were, in a romantic relationship, but can also include any family member by blood or marriage, and anyone the offender currently lives with or who lived with in the past. 

If you want to know more, read our Complete Guide to Missouri Domestic Violence Laws.

What are the possible punishments for a domestic violence charge in Missouri? 

There are four degrees of domestic assault charges; the fourth degree was only added in 2017 to ensure all victims could seek prosecution for any level of physical or isolating abuse. 

1st Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to kill or knowingly cause (or attempt to cause) serious physical injury. 1st-degree domestic assault is a Class B felony unless there are exceptional circumstances (like a second offense), in which case it becomes a Class A felony. A class B felony comes with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while a Class A maximum term is a life term. 

2nd Degree domestic assault includes any attempt to cause (or knowingly cause) serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. 2nd-degree domestic assault is a Class C felony. The maximum sentence for a class C felony is 7 years in prison. 

3rd Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to cause (or knowingly cause) physical injury, puts the victim in harm’s way through negligent behavior. It also covers any other physical assault to a household member, or knowingly isolating the victim. 3rd-degree domestic assault is a Class E felony. 

4th Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to cause (or negligently cause) physical injury, pain, or illness to the victim. 4th degree is a Class A misdemeanor. A class A misdemeanor has a maximum sentence of 1-year imprisonment. 

Other possible punishments: 

  • Judges also have the ability to order someone to stop abusing, harassing, or stalking a victim through a temporary measure or full order. They have the right to refuse bond or to set bond extremely high if they believe the accused poses a risk to the victim or community. 
  • In most cases, if you are convicted of a domestic violence crime you will lose your right to own firearms. 
  • In Missouri, anyone convicted of domestic assault may be required to pay restitution to the victim, which involves paying for any costs that resulted from the crime, such as medical bills, repairs, and counseling. 

You should also be aware that if you have children you may need to fight to retain custody of those children throughout your case. 

What to Do If You Are Charged 

If you are concerned that you may be the subject of a domestic violence charge, or if you have been arrested, it’s important for you to contact a St. Louis domestic violence attorney soon as possible. All our clients have the personal attention of Chris Combs from day one. You won’t be a number on a list – he will always be there when you need him. 

Can I do anything to minimize the consequences of my charge? 

Of course, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side is the best way to minimize the consequences of your charge, and maybe your only option depending on the judge presiding over your case. 

Judges often get involved in domestic violence cases to work with families and mend broken relationships, wherever possible. The judge and prosecutor in your case often like to see the defendant take steps to tackle the underlying cause of the event through counseling or another suitable treatment. This is often a wise path to take as it can help you avoid some of the consequences of a domestic violence charge. 

Find a Compassionate Missouri Domestic Violence Attorney 

If you are facing domestic violence charges in St. Louis, you need to find a compassionate and competent domestic violence attorney as soon as possible. Chris Combs has ensured successful outcomes for many of his domestic violence clients in the past and can do the same for you, too. 

Click here to find out more about how we represent domestic violence cases. Alternatively, call us today at 314-451-2711 or send us an email to arrange your free consultation. We aim to get back to every inquiry in less than two hours. 

  • This was my first time dealing with a court case (Restraining Order filed against me) and this was definitely the Law Firm to go with. Christopher Combs sat down and discussed with me the details and reassured me that he will do everything he can to get the case dismissed. He worked with Steve Waterkotte, who was very professional and reassuring as well. Obviously the outcome went exactly as they predicted and I couldn't be happier to pick Combs Law Group. Would strongly recommend to friends and family and will for sure be using his services again if ever needed.

    Andriy Palchak Avatar
    Andriy Palchak
    9/04/2019

  • Mr. Combs was professional and attentive. I received prompt updates on the status of my case. Mr. Combs was able to get me cleared of all charges for a nominal fee and only one appearance. I will definitely recommend him to my friends.

    AJ Benga Avatar
    AJ Benga
    6/12/2019

  • Chris Combs is an excellent lawyer. He has great and consistent communication with his clients and he makes sure that he can give them the best possible outcome for their individual situations. Chris also shows compassion and integrity as he works in detail on ones case. I would recommend Attorney Chris Combs to anyone who needs a lawyer who is honest, punctual, and full of criminal justice knowledge.

    Victoria Nabual Avatar
    Victoria Nabual
    5/19/2019

  • Mr. Combs was very fair, competitively priced, listened to all of our concerns and delivered us the best outcome we could hope for!! I am grateful for his service! He did everything he said he would and kept me informed every step of the way. Thanks Chris.

    My Fair Lady Avatar
    My Fair Lady
    4/27/2019

  • Recently, I called on Chris and he got me the best possible outcome. Chris has always had my best interests at heart. I’ve called on him in the past and would do so in the future. No hesitation, Chris is my go to guy.

    Sunil Solanki Avatar
    Sunil Solanki
    4/24/2019

  • Chris is AMAZING!!!! He is very reasonable and worked with me on payment! He saved me from a very grim situation and had it reduced to littering! Chris is very easy to get a hold of and responds very quickly if he doesn’t answer the phone directly! He is a miracle worker and I highly recommend him for all your legal needs!

    Lisa Buehler Avatar
    Lisa Buehler
    4/19/2019

  • Chris was very professional and very responsive. Our outcome was better than we could have expected. I would recommend Chris and would use his services again if necessary.

    Ann VanderKraats Avatar
    Ann VanderKraats
    2/11/2019

  • I cannot stress the importance of this 5-star review. I was an out-of-state client of Chris’ and he went above and beyond for my case. Chris Combs, along his assistant, Steve Waterkotte, were excellent in handling my case with extreme care, timeliness, and precision. The outcome of the case exceeded my expectations.

    Chris Combs and his firm stood beside me 150% and I felt in good hands throughout the whole process. Before consulting with Chris, I chose to call him based on the reviews I read; now I understand why there are nothing but 5-star reviews for his firm and I am glad to be a contributor to that statistic... it is the least I could do for what Chris and his firm did for me.

    yev_atl Avatar
    yev_atl
    1/16/2019

  • Mr. Combs provided me with the up most legal advice and stood by my side through the entire case. He not only responded to every phone call but responded to every text as well never left me hanging and most importantly kept up to date with everything that was going on.

    Corey Pruett Avatar
    Corey Pruett
    1/07/2019

  • Chris and his team were terrific! I had a few speeding tickets that were well over the speed limit and Chris was able to work his magic to get them reduced to a non-moving, no point violation and without it costing me an absorbent amount of money!

    Brad Jundt Avatar
    Brad Jundt
    11/23/2018

  • I can’t say enough about Chris and his outstanding work he did for me. He asked me to trust him and I did and it was the best choice I could have made. Not only did he do what he was going to do he went above and beyond more than what he had to do to make sure everything was gonna work out. He saved my butt and I wouldn’t go to any other lawyer in St. Louis after seeing what he did for me . Thanks Chris . God bless u and your team

    nicholas kanevsky Avatar
    nicholas kanevsky
    11/23/2018

  • He is best what i found. And I will suggest you please work with him and you will see positive result for sure. You might get late reply like one or two days late because he is really busy and working with lots of cases but he will reply you for sure. Thank you Christopher for your help....!!!!

    Vicky Desai Avatar
    Vicky Desai
    11/19/2018

  • We thoroughly researched lawyers for a criminal case and decided on Chris for his professionalism, track record, and fair pricing. Good work isn't cheap and cheap work isn't good, but you get MORE than what you pay for with Chris Combs and his staff. He was available to answer calls and texts with any questions at all times - he was always helpful in explaining everything and stayed on top of the game throughout the entire case. Chris will work hard for you and he puts his clients first always. He does not shy away from a challenge and delivers on everything 110%. We will always recommend Combs Law Group and are very happy with our decision to hire him to represent our case.

    Alex Feldewerth Avatar
    Alex Feldewerth
    11/05/2018

  • I hired Chris Combs when St. Louis City police falsely arrested and charged. Chris truly went the extra mile to defend me against a false arrest. Chris combs will fight to defend you every step of the way through the legal process. After Chris Combs and the St. Louis City Prosecutor cross examination against the arresting officer the judge agreed my rights were violated by the officer, and dismissed charges. Chris always answered my calls or text no matter what!! Chris gave me a very fair and competitive price!! I’m very happy with the outcome of my situation, and would highly recommended him to family and friends.

    Matt Feldewerth Avatar
    Matt Feldewerth
    11/02/2018

  • I hired Chris Combs when St. Louis City police falsely arrested and charged. Chris truly went the extra mile to defend me against a false arrest. After Chris Combs and the St. Louis City Prosecutor cross examination against the arresting officer the judge agreed my rights were violated by the officer, and dismissed charges. Chris combs will fight to defend you every step of the way through the legal process. Chris always answered my calls or text no matter what!! Chris gave me a very fair and competitive price!! I’m very happy with the outcome of my situation, and would highly recommended him to family and friends.

    Matt Feldewerth Avatar
    Matt Feldewerth
    11/02/2018
5201 Hampton Ave.
St. Louis 63109
Phone: (314) 578-1465
Email: contact@combslawstl.com
8820 Ladue Rd STE 201,
St. Louis 63124
Phone: (314) 578-1465
Email: contact@combslawstl.com

Areas Served

We proudly represent clients throughout the St. Louis Metro area including the following municipalities and counties: Affton, Florissant, Chesterfield, University City, Oakville, Wildwood, Ballwin, Mehlville, Kirkwood, Hazelwood, Maryland Heights, Webster Groves, Ferguson, Spanish Lake, Manchester, Lemay, Overlan, Concord, Creve Coeur, Clayton, Bridgton, Jennings, St. Ann, Crestwood, Bellenfontaine, Town and Country, Berkley, Richmond Heights, Maplewood, Ellisville, Ladue, Des Peres, Sunset Hills, Brentwood, Eureka, Olivette, Sappington, St. John, Black Jac, Shrewsbury, St. Charles County, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Lincoln County, and Warren County, Ste. Genevieve County

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